Joining Al Gore for 2024 climate reality training - Ghana’s Youth4Climate champion's journey

Daniel Awomnab, Ghana’s distinguished Youth4Climate champion, has once again honored an invitation from former U.S. Vice President Al Gore to attend the 2024 edition of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps training. Daniel first became a member of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps in 2020 and returned this year for the prestigious event held from October 17-23, 2024.

Before his first Climate Reality Leadership Corps training in 2020, Daniel had already established himself as a key climate advocate. He assumed the position of Country Coordinator for the Team 54 Project International in 2019, where he mobilized youth for climate action across Africa.

Daniel organized one of Ghana's most impactful youth climate events in 2020, the Ghana Climate Change Awareness Program (GCCAP), which attracted speakers and participants from various countries. His reputation grew further when he represented Ghana at the Youth4Climate Summit in Milan before being prominently featured in Africa Year Book VOL 18 for his contributions to elevating Ghana’s voice in global climate change discussions.

The Climate Reality Leadership Corps, founded by Al Gore, equips global leaders with the tools to drive impactful climate action. Daniel’s participation in the 2024 edition reaffirms his leadership in advancing climate solutions in Africa.

Since 2020, Daniel has spearheaded numerous climate initiatives, including collaborating with Skyler Lawton, Miss New York Earth 2020, on a global education campaign promoting upcycling and recycling as strategies to combat climate change.

In 2021, he also worked with the Government of Ghana on the Green Ghana Day initiative, helping to plant 10 million trees across the country. Additionally, in 2022, Daniel partnered with the U.S. based Climate Activism Lab to create a climate awareness online course furthering his commitment to environmental education.

Daniel's leadership extended beyond climate awareness. As the project lead for the 2021 Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Agrotech Challenge, he evaluated innovative ideas presented by Social Innovators in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

In the same year, Daniel led a team of African Climate Reality Leaders to organize the Pre-COP26 Africa Climate Summit under the theme "Synergizing Ideas for Meaningful Climate Solution Outcomes: Setting the Agenda," which served as a preparatory forum for the United Nations COP26 in Glasgow, UK.

Moreover, Daniel played an integral role in launching key national youth climate initiatives, such as Ghana's Youth Climate Council (YCC) and the maiden edition of the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), which aim to increase youth participation in climate decision-making at local and international levels.

Daniel’s achievements have been acknowledged on prestigious platforms, including the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he served as a World Bank Youth Delegate on Climate Change and Economic Diversity and Inclusion, in 2022. These experiences enriched his understanding of global economic policies and inclusive climate strategies.

Reflecting on his experience, Daniel shared, “Participating in the Climate Reality Leadership Corps training for a second time has been invaluable. The skills and networks I have built will enhance my efforts in addressing Africa’s climate challenges.”

At the 2024 training, Daniel’s focus on Africa’s specific climate challenges—especially renewable energy and sustainable agriculture—continued to inspire a global audience. “Harnessing power of technology to address climate change is essential to ensuring a sustainable future.” Daniel further remarked.

Daniel’s leadership has remained consistent since his initial training.

Alongside his work with Team 54 and his representation at global forums like Youth4Climate, he was part of Team Hakuna Matata, the first African team to win the Sustainability World Cup in Spain. As Daniel continues to gain recognition, he remains a leading voice in the climate movement, inspiring the next generation of African youth to take action in the global fight against climate change.